Architect Fee Methods: Top-Down, Bottom-Up, Fixed, and Not-to-Exceed for ARE 5 | PcM

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In this Coaching Highlight from our Mind Over ARE sessions (inside ABC Club Premium), we tackle a classic ARE 5.0 Practice Management (PcM) question:

👉 How do architects calculate fees — and what’s the difference between top-down budgeting, bottom-up budgeting, not-to-exceed hourly, and fixed fee?

These terms show up all the time in both the exam and real practice. In this episode, we break down:

Top-Down Budgeting – starting with a gross fee and distributing it across phasesBottom-Up Budgeting – calculating actual staffing hours × hourly ratesNot-to-Exceed Hourly – billing by the hour with a contractual capFixed Fee (Lump Sum) – set fee tied to a clearly defined scope

We also discuss how firms blend these methods in practice, and why understanding them is critical for passing PcM and for long-term success in managing projects and communicating value to clients.

This is just a small preview of what you’ll find in our Mind Over ARE coaching calls — live study sessions, replays, and searchable Coaching Highlights, all available inside ABC Club Premium.

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